What is GSD1b?

GSD1b stands for Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1b. People who have Glycogen Storage Disease have a genetic condition where they are missing an enzyme in their liver that converts glucose to stored energy. Glycogen builds up in the liver and kidneys which can cause them to not function properly. Additionally, as their liver is unable to process food correctly, they are unable to maintain their blood sugar and may suffer hypoglycemic episodes which may lead to seizures, lactic acidosis, coma and even death. This means people with GSD1b have to have a strict diet that contains no natural or processed sugar, and supplement their diet by eating every two to three hours to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. The current recommend treatment is to drink a cornstarch solution every three hours. There are 9 different types of GSD. Chronic neutropenia, IBD, and bacterial infections occur specifically in type 1b. While there is no cure for GSD1B, funding and awareness can help speed up research studies.